Business Analytics, MS

The MS in Business Analytics is evolving to incorporate an intelligent systems approach that reflects the growing role of data, artificial intelligence, and enterprise systems in modern organizations.

The curriculum integrates analytics, programming, statistical modeling, and information systems to help you understand how intelligent systems are designed, implemented, and used in organizations.

Students who are admitted to the MS in Business Analytics in the 2026-27 academic year will begin following this new curriculum:

Business Analytics and Intelligent Systems Foundations (12 credits)
BA 520 - AI Fundamentals for Business (3 credits)
BA 530 - Programming and Data Structures with Python (3 credits)
DS 520 - Applied Statistical Modeling (3 credits)
ISM 525 - Fundamentals of Information Systems (3 credits)

Analytics, Intelligent Systems, and Managerial Core (12 credits) 
Four graduate courses from any of the following:

• BA 605 - Managerial Decision Making
• Any Decision Sciences courses, such as:
  • DS 570 - Prescriptive Business Analytics
  • DS 630 - Applied Forecasting with Python
  • DS 633 - Machine Learning for Business Intelligence
• Any Information Systems Management courses, such as:
  • ISM 575 - Information and Database Management
  • ISM 580 - AI Application Development
  • ISM 650 - Systems Development and Data Quality

Personalized Pathway (6 credits)
Complete any two College of Business graduate courses (3 credits each)

The CAP Academic Pathway Program is an ideal opportunity for students looking to differentiate themselves early in their analytics career. This program connects your academic training in the MS in Business Analytics program with an industry-recognized credential and prepares you for future Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification.

Graduates can earn the credential by joining INFORMS, completing a data ethics course, and following a simple certification process. This program helps launch careers in analytics while providing access to professional development and resources through INFORMS.

Graduates of the MS in Business Analytics program develop a well-rounded skill set that combines analytics, programming, and an understanding of how data and systems support decision-making in modern organizations.

Through required and elective coursework, you can develop skills such as:

• Analyzing data to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities
• Developing analytical models to support business decision-making
• Applying statistical and forecasting techniques to real-world problems
• Working with data and the systems that collect, manage, and support it
• Understanding how intelligent systems use data to support decision-making
• Communicating findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Applying analytics across business functions such as finance, marketing, operations, and supply chain

Previous coursework deemed substantially similar to ISM 525, or an undergraduate degree in Information Systems Management, may qualify to exempt students from ISM 525. Exempt courses must be replaced with other elective courses in the degree program.

In addition, up to 9 transfer credits for previous equivalent graduate coursework can be applied to the degree if those credits have not been counted toward a degree.

Exemptions and transfer credit are granted at the discretion of the program faculty.

This program welcomes students from all undergraduate majors and levels of work experience. We conduct a holistic review of each application, focusing on strong academic performance, quantitative skills, and a clear statement of purpose. Admission is selective. View our Class Profile for details.

To be considered, you must have:

• A four-year U.S. bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution.
• A grade of C or better in college algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus, or higher. If you haven't met this requirement, we'll help you complete an appropriate course before or shortly after admission.